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South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee

$324,204 Average Value
$208 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

South Milwaukee has a friendly, outdoorsy vibe

Despite its name, South Milwaukee is more than just Milwaukee ’s neighbor. Set along Lake Michigan, this compact city appeals to homebuyers with its friendly community, extensive park system and active downtown area. Beaches and trails are close by, and neighbors regularly mingle at year-round community events.

There are miles of beaches in South Milwaukee.
There are miles of beaches in South Milwaukee.
There are several historic sites to visit along the Seven Bridges Trail.
There are several historic sites to visit along the Seven Bridges Trail.
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From Cape Cods to Tudors, housing spans many styles

With a history that goes back to the 19th century, South Milwaukee doesn't have much contemporary housing. Midcentury split-levels and ranch-style homes are common in neighborhoods like Parkway Heights and the M District, while classic architectural styles line the streets of Historic Lakeview and Historic Grant Park. Some of the oldest homes may need renovations, though many have been updated over the years. Buyers can expect to spend between the low $100,000s for a fixer-upper Cape Cod and the mid-$500,000s for a fully restored brick Tudor. Condos are usually the newest housing option, with prices ranging from the mid-$100,000s to the upper $200,000s, depending on amenities. The median sale price in South Milwaukee hovers around the low $300,000s, making it generally more expensive than Milwaukee and Cudahy but less expensive than Oak Creek.

The community's neighborly spirit has left an impression on Ericka Lang, the city's economic development manager. "I can't believe how friendly everyone is. I make new friends every time I go to Pick 'n Save in the checkout," she says. "It's a community you almost don't want to tell anybody about."

Duplexes can be found a block from Lake Michigan in South Milwaukee.
Duplexes can be found a block from Lake Michigan in South Milwaukee.
Homes of all shapes and sizes can be found in South Milwaukee.
Homes of all shapes and sizes can be found in South Milwaukee.
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Which public schools serve South Milwaukee families?

The School District of South Milwaukee serves the city. Early options include Lakeview Elementary School, Luther Elementary School and Rawson Elementary School, with students typically advancing to South Milwaukee Middle School and then South Milwaukee High School.

Many local students attend Rawson Elementary School.
Many local students attend Rawson Elementary School.
South Milwaukee High School connects to South Milwaukee Middle School.
South Milwaukee High School connects to South Milwaukee Middle School.
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Popular spots for hiking, swimming and birdwatching

With nearly 400 acres of shoreline and wooded areas, Grant Park's a favorite spot for swimmers, hikers and anyone looking to spend time in nature. Locals can play a round on the park's 18-hole golf course or head out on the water from the South Milwaukee Yacht Club.

The Seven Bridges Trail, a nearly two-mile path through a forested ravine, winds past stone stairways and rustic wooden bridges on its way to the lakefront. The park's location along a major migratory flyway also makes it a popular place for bird-watching and helped earn the city its "Bird City Wisconsin" designation. “In the spring and the fall, we're on the direct route of many of the songbirds that flock south in the winter and north in the summer,” says Richard Thinnes, president of the South Milwaukee Historical Society.

The shores of Lake Michigan are a major draw for South Milwaukee.
The shores of Lake Michigan are a major draw for South Milwaukee.
Beaches and fishing piers aren't far away from many homes.
Beaches and fishing piers aren't far away from many homes.
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Easy access to Milwaukee by highway, bus and trail

Wisconsin Highway 32 runs through the city along Chicago Avenue, while nearby Interstate 94 provides a direct connection to downtown Milwaukee, about 10 miles away. The Milwaukee County Transit System offers bus service throughout the city. For cyclists and pedestrians, the Oak Leaf Trail provides a paved north-south route spanning more than 100 miles through green spaces like Grant Park and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Beachcombers and swimmers visit the shore in Grant Park.
Beachcombers and swimmers visit the shore in Grant Park.

Favorite dining spots and shopping along Chicago Avenue

From longtime neighborhood favorites to newer local businesses, South Milwaukee's restaurant scene offers plenty of variety. These are some of the area's go-to choices:

  • Pat's Oak Manor, a local institution known for its Wisconsin Friday fish fry with all-you-can-eat options
  • Azteca Restaurant MKE, a downtown Mexican restaurant offering birria tacos and other specialties
  • Paisano's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, a family-owned spot with generous portions of Italian-American comfort food
  • Ferch's Beachside Grille, a seasonal grill at Grant Park Beach with frozen custard and Lake Michigan views
  • Virtue Coffee and Valor Wine, a coffee shop by day and wine tasting room by night
For everyday shopping, many South Milwaukee residents stick close to home, heading to the stores along South Chicago Avenue for groceries and quick errands. The Walmart Supercenter on North Chicago Avenue and the shops and services around Drexel Town Square are also convenient options.

Popular festivals celebrate local traditions and hometown pride

Although each of the city's annual events is unique, many hold a common thread: an appearance by Sam the Sasquatch, the city's mascot. People find him in the parade during Heritage Days and spreading holiday cheer during Christmas at the Commons.


CrusherFest is one of the city's largest events, celebrating the life and legacy of Reggie "Da Crusher" Lisowski, a professional wrestler and lifelong South Milwaukee resident. People honor "The Man That Made Milwaukee Famous" by coming together to enjoy local bands, barbeque and live wrestling matches.

There are multiple farmers markets in or near South Milwaukee.
There are multiple farmers markets in or near South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Little League has been celebrating opening day for decades.
South Milwaukee Little League has been celebrating opening day for decades.
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Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Hayley McCormick
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Andrew Perrius
Video By
Andrew Perrius

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to JJ Hausmann, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in South Milwaukee, WI

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,249
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,312
Above the national average
1,934
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,383
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,277
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,850

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in South Milwaukee

Property Mix - Square Feet

South Milwaukee Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
6
Median Rent
$1,300
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,313
Median Condo Rent
$1,300
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,113

Demographics

Total Population
18,938
Median Age
42
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,897
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$80,905

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.6%
College Graduates
25.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
37''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Fairly walkable

Walkability®

50 / 100

Limited public transit

Transit®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
South Milwaukee